Francis Mayville: Provost’s Faculty Excellence Award Winner

Francis Mayville: Provost's Faculty Excellence Award Winner

By all accounts, 2024 has been a stellar year for Fran Mayville.

First, the associate professor of chemistry published a research paper with his daughter and one of her good friends. Then, in early May, the Board of Trustees promoted Mayville, Ph.D., to the rank of professor.

Two weeks later, he heard his name called at Commencement as Terese Wignot, Ph.D., presented the Provost's Award for Faculty Excellence in Service.

"I am so blessed," says Mayville. "I have such an amazing wife and kids; they're my rock. But DeSales is just a special place. When other people recognize what you do, it speaks volumes."

Mayville has a long history of helping others. During graduate school, he volunteered at a food bank, where he stocked shelves, cooked, and served meals. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity helping to build homes for families in need.

"Service is something that I love to do. Yes, I love to educate. Yes, I love to see that light turn on. Yes, I love to see people understand chemistry. But it really comes down to service-seeing what you can do for other people."

Francis Mayville, Ph.D., professor

On campus, Mayville has served as an advisor to the Natural Science Club and the Chem Demos program, helping to bring nearly 1,000 primary and secondary students and their teachers to campus each year to promote and enjoy science.

He has also collaborated with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program to lead a drum circle for residents at senior living centers to help them maintain coordination and rhythm.

Mayville first began teaching at DeSales in August 2000. At the time, he had interviewed at four different schools. But driving on campus, he quickly realized DeSales was different.

"Education is one of those things where you have to feel like you're in the right environment. For me, this is it. You walk on campus and feel something-spiritually, emotionally, just everything. There's a real kindness here, and the people make the place."